Thermaltake Level 10 GT Case Review

[captaincranky]

Oh I really am on the verge of saying something politically incorrect.

I just returned from an area of Minneapolis aptly named 'Uptown'. This will make anyone over the age of 25 feel 'unhep' poste haste

Well, y'all git yo Level 10 GT, den hangs yo self a subwoofer in it, an y'all will fits rat in........

There I said it for you.

Moving on, in an attempt to re-embrace my, "glory days", I've purchased a couple of "Lava Lamps", and a copy of, "Workingman's Dead". I really do think that a "Level 10 GT" would be much too jarring if taken in combination with this ambience.

(Definition of "ambience"; something I can spell that Firefox can't).

Well...as you know already, I am always in favor of anything that facilitates the use of my favorite words.

Remember, I handed you this one.

Of course I know this, "I am the great and powerful Oz"!

 

[red1776]

Well, y'all git yo Level 10 GT, den hangs yo self a subwoofer in it, an y'all will fits rat in........

There I said it for you.

Moving on, in an attempt to re-embrace my, "glory days", I've purchased a couple of "Lava Lamps", and a copy of, "Workingman's Dead". I really do think that a "Level 10 GT" would be much too jarring if taken in combination with this ambience.

(Definition of "ambience"; something I can spell that Firefox can't).

It was more along the lines of black haired beauties.

Moving on, in an attempt to re-embrace my, "glory days", I've purchased a couple of "Lava Lamps",

ROFL, I never took mine down. Spencer Gifts 1978!

 

[dividebyzero]

The original "Level 10" case, succeeds as the prognostication of art...

Agreed. Anything that attains "iconic design" status is by some definition "art"
Love, loathe or be nonplussed, the Level 10 has become an instant icon. The fact that any discussion on it's relative aesthetics and functionality still engenders such heated debate and a polarity of opinion pretty much ensures its status.

I would add to our emerging definition of "art", that something becomes complete as art, when it is no longer possible to improve on its aesthetics. As an example, I would cite the 1963 Corvette, "split window coupe", as well as the 1963 Chevrolet "Impala", in opposition to their 1964 counterparts. Obviously, others may differ as to the model year boundaries

I think the aesthetics of an original concept are bound to the originality. Everything that comes after is evolutionary and not revolutionary. The original 1948 Porsche 356 is a design icon -the modern evolution 99x series not so much.
- I would also argue that the 1962 "Bubble top" Bel Air 409 is the original that the '63 Impala attempted to emulate- altering the design for the mass market I think watered down the aesthetic considerably in my opinion- in much the same way as functionality robbed succeeding generations of buildings of the aesthetic that the Chrysler/Flatiron/Empire State buildings introduced. It's also likely that the PET 1 litre/quart plastic bottles that Coke ships in these days will also never attain the status that the seven ounce glass variety enjoys

...and that's what makes the appreciation of art, and intensely individual experience. There is a subjective point when "innovation" deteriorates to "contrivance", and this it what I believe has happened with the GT case.

Contrivance indeed, at the very least. A more cynical man than myself would possibly say that it represents a marketing ploy to piggyback some quick success from a well known brand. The chassis itself looks more functional and has expanded user options over the Level 10, but where the problem lies is maybe not in it's design but the fact that it uses the originals name within it's own designation, and since Thermaltake is not adverse to scouring the entire alphabet and number range for it's different models- why dilute a classic design if not for marketing? Was it either use Level 10GT or have to resort to Sumerian cunieform since all the letter/number/name combinations are already in use?

And of the Triumph motorcycle....I've been an owner of both the Bonneville and Trident, and while they can be aesthetically pleasing (the "breadbox" padded tank on most models usually gets substituted for the teardrop tank from my experience), as are BSA's -and to a lesser degree Norton, they still owe their "style", and engineering aesthetic to some greater marques

 

[captaincranky]

- I would also argue that the 1962 "Bubble top" Bel Air 409 is the original that the '63 Impala attempted to emulate- altering the design for the mass market I think watered down the aesthetic considerably in my opinion-

As I'm sure you have anticipated, I have some contrary thoughts on this. (IMHO): The Chevrolet "bubble top" offering melded best with the 1961 body style which is my much favored year of these two. My reasoning is that curves are best met with curves. Putting the bubble top on the angular 62 body seems indecisive at best, badly forced at worst. I don't dispute that the 62 bubble top is unique and very attractive, I just favor the 61 by a few points. One surmises that this was the reason for the birthing of the angular "imitation convertible top" styling that carried as far forward as 1964. As far as the 64 Impala body, that just looks like some random stoned noodling into a clay '63. For me, there was "no redeeming social value" for it to prevent me from labeling it "pornographic".

in much the same way as functionality robbed succeeding generations of buildings of the aesthetic that the Chrysler/Flatiron/Empire State buildings introduced. It's also likely that the PET 1 litre/quart plastic bottles that Coke ships in these days will also never attain the status that the seven ounce glass variety enjoys .

I think the only post modern exception to this was the World Trade Center Towers. Their minimalist styling had a maximum impact on the NYC arts & crafts landscape, and in a very pleasant, but obviously very "in your face" way.

As the zen master Googler, I suggest you visit (or perhaps revisit), our Philly "Liberty One" tower. This is post modern ripoff of the Chrysler Building's "finest" (?) hour.

Moving on, they're selling the 7 oz glass Coke Bottles, (full), as collector's items at our supermarkets these days. Don't know if they come in a wood case. I'll check next time I go.

Contrivance indeed, at the very least. A more cynical man than myself would possibly say that it represents a marketing ploy to piggyback some quick success from a well known brand. The chassis itself looks more functional and has expanded user options over the Level 10, but where the problem lies is maybe not in it's design but the fact that it uses the originals name within it's own designation, and since Thermaltake is not adverse to scouring the entire alphabet and number range for it's different models- why dilute a classic design if not for marketing? Was it either use Level 10GT or have to resort to Sumerian cunieform since all the letter/number/name combinations are already in use?

I'm going to streamline that vent into the form of a commandment, "thou shall not taketh the original Level 10's name in vain"!

As to the passing of motifs such as exist in the Chrysler Building, perhaps we are moving away from religion and superstition. We simply don't need automobile radiators and hubcaps as icons of our faith. Besides, I think we've moved on to the "year of our Ford" annotation of the passing years. At least so said Huxley.

 

[red1776]

Upon entering the Walker Art Center here in Minneapolis you are immediately confronted with three Giant canvases roughly 70'"h x 70"w with a small gap in-between them. This gigantic work of 'art' is titled "Red-Yellow-Blue" and consists solely of each of the panels painted a solid color. The 'artist' Ellsworth Kelley was commissioned hundreds of thousands of dollars it is rumored for this tripe, and makes 'Piss Christ' seem brilliant in comparison. While we bandy about our personal definition of what art is. I think it's a solid bet that the social connotation of art is convincing others that they are not hip enough,deep enough, or intelligent enough to buy into whatever preposterousness they choose to regurgitate onto a canvas and then hide behind titles such as "minimalist" and "interpretive"

Here is the ingenious work if you care to see it.

http://collections.walkerart.org/item/object/8375

 

[captaincranky]

Upon entering the Walker Art Center here in Minneapolis you are immediately confronted with three Giant canvases roughly 70'"h x 70"w with a small gap in-between them. This gigantic work of 'art' is titled "Red-Yellow-Blue" and consists solely of each of the panels painted a solid color. The 'artist' Ellsworth Kelley was commissioned hundreds of thousands of dollars it is rumored for this tripe, and makes 'Piss Christ' seem brilliant in comparison. While we bandy about our personal definition of what art is. I think it's a solid bet that the social connotation of art is convincing others that they are not hip enough,deep enough, or intelligent enough to buy into whatever preposterousness they choose to regurgitate onto a canvas and then hide behind titles such as "minimalist" and "interpretive"

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, art exists as a political pursuit.

"Art" is a sublime musing of man, which is then prostituted by man. There isn't a concept so sublime that man can't reduce to vulgarity. Witness the teachings of Jesus begetting the "Holy" Roman Catholic Church, and the Spanish Inquisition. Which incidentally didn't end until the mid-eighteen hundreds.

That said, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder", has some ugly twists and turns when the "eye of the beholder" is manipulated by propaganda. In most cases, the propaganda is being generated by some a**hole, suffering an acute case of "post adolescent intellectual pretense". If only that were a disease that was fatal.

In one of my photo courses, we were shown polaroid print manipulations, presented of course. as "art". The series deteriorated to various scratchings and smearings of "self portraits" of the artist photographing his own a**. When I asked how this could possibly be described as "art", my instructor explained the he had witnessed members of the NYC "art community" paying 500 bucks a pop for this crap. Oh super I muttered to myself, "a bunch of coke head effetes with more money than brains have validated this garbage, who am I to argue".

It was more along the lines of black haired beauties.

Did you note the resounding success of the food stamp program while you were there?

 

[red1776]

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, art exists as a political pursuit.

"Art" is a sublime musing of man, which is then prostituted by man. There isn't a concept so sublime that man can't reduce to vulgarity. Witness the teachings of Jesus begetting the "Holy" Roman Catholic Church, and the Spanish Inquisition. Which incidentally didn't end until the mid-eighteen hundreds.

That said, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder", has some ugly twists and turns when the "eye of the beholder" is manipulated by propaganda. In most cases, the propaganda is being generated by some a**hole, suffering an acute case of "post adolescent intellectual pretense". If only that were a disease that was fatal.

In one of my photo courses, we were shown polaroid print manipulations, presented of course. as "art". The series deteriorated to various scratchings and smearings of "self portraits" of the artist photographing his own a**. When I asked how this could possibly be described as "art", my instructor explained the he had witnessed members of the NYC "art community" paying 500 bucks a pop for this crap. Oh super I muttered to myself, "a bunch of coke head effetes with more money than brains have validated this garbage, who am I to argue".

Very eloquently stated as usual.

who am I to argue

I would prefer, who are you to not?

 

[dividebyzero]

I think it's a solid bet that the social connotation of art is convincing others that they are not hip enough,deep enough, or intelligent enough to buy into whatever preposterousness they choose to regurgitate onto a canvas and then hide behind titles such as "minimalist" and "interpretive"

From what I've seen, Mr Kelly's later work seems rather derivative of his earlier pieces- but what do I know -I only dabble in portraiture and graphics while the rest of my family tend to gravitate towards a larger statement
As for the hypocrisy and elitism of "art" and social sciences I think that it is prevalent wherever ego meets a receptive public expectation. In my own field, once you get to the more rarified atmosphere of public acclaim/notoriety, there comes a point where, for all intents and purposes, the food experience gains only infinitesimally for the increased hype - at this point, people who need to make their statement, and the people who rely on these supposed "innovations" for their employment move from the mainstream to a wholly esoteric level in an attempt to justify their position. What chefs at the sharp end/high-profile tend to relate as "1% invention, 99% bullsh*t" - and just like most sculptors, authors, architects and painters I've met tend to believe also. The jargon and elitism is for public consumption only - a public for the most part that is quite happy (if not eager) to be spoonfed a false reality.

 

[captaincranky]

So basically what you're saying is that, "beauty is forced into the untrained eye of the beholder"..... Or perhaps, "poked into the eye of the beholder"?

 

[red1776]

More like being instructed to appreciate it...and many times fund it. Here in Minneapolis we have government sponsored, taxpayer funded graffiti.

...and I have been instructed that it is beautiful and cultural. I must think that...I paid for it

 

[dividebyzero]

@captain
I make a reasonable salary.
The people who write about my food make more money than I do.
The magazines they write for are full of ad's and (part*) recipes of dishes 99+% of the readers will never attempt to make.
The magazines sell well. They also cost more than fresh vegetables, meat and other grocery items.
The people who buy these magazines predominantly go "out" to eat -either to restaurants or to places that serve food in styrofoam and cardboard.

I wouldn't say anything was being "forced" upon them, in much the same way as nobody forces them to watch someones contrived TV suffering on Oprah. It seems more like some thrill of glimpsing, or being part of, something removed from their own lives without investing any particular effort or resources.

* Chefs usually leave out (or substitute) an ingedient ,or abridge a process when putting their recipes out for public display (Thomas Keller and Charlie Trotter are probably exceptions)

 

[red1776]

The magazines they write for are full of ad's and (part*) recipes of dishes 99+% of the readers will never attempt to make.

Gee thats too bad. I recently came across a couple of really great lobster recipes that turned out very well...despite me being the one preparing them.

 

[captaincranky]

@ DBZ: My definition of "forced" does take into account actions including not being supplied with an alternative, and propaganda from the rest of the herd.

More like being instructed to appreciate it...and many times fund it. Here in Minneapolis we have government sponsored, taxpayer funded graffiti.

...and I have been instructed that it is beautiful and cultural. I must think that...I paid for it

Yeah, yeah, yeah, just think how the French felt when they funded Versailles.

 

[red1776]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, just think how the French felt when they funded Versailles.

at least that is pretty.

I bet you have a bigger graffiti program in your neck of the woods than do we.

 

[dividebyzero]

Gee thats too bad. I recently came across a couple of really great lobster recipes that turned out very well...despite me being the one preparing them.

Welcome to the 1%

What percentage of the American populace would you estimate to be cooking two lobster meals by their own hand for their loved ones in any given week ?

....I bet you have a bigger graffiti program in your neck of the woods than do we.

Spray paint propellant afficionados gravitate to Philadelphia ?

 

[captaincranky]

at least that is pretty.

I bet you have a bigger graffiti program in your neck of the woods than do we.

Indeed. I remember Philadelphians in general being called "cheap" because nobody stepped forward with 16 million dollars to retain one of Alexander Caulder's oversized train wrecks in front of the Art Museum.

Now, if that would have been a giant sculpture of the original Level 10, I'd a hit the bricks in search of donations.....

 

[red1776]

Welcome to the 1%

What percentage of the American populace would you estimate to be cooking two lobster meals by their own hand for their loved ones in any given week ?

I will take guess that it starts with a decimal. In my case it was ÷ 0

Spray paint propellant afficionados gravitate to Philadelphia ?

call it a hunch.

Now, if that would have been a giant sculpture of the original Level 10, I'd a hit the bricks in search of donations....

Now you're on to something.
I will set up the paypal donation site.

 

[Glycerin]

Currently its $199 on Newegg, free shipping, till the end of November. I think I'm going to purchase one.

 

[spydercanopus]

Level 10 chassis review has a discrepancy

The second image down on this page has a different picture than the rest. Is that a prototype or a different model?

https://www.techspot.com/products/cases/thermaltake-level-10-gt.24883/

 

[LNCPapa]

That's a picture of the original Level 10 designed by BMW.

 

[red1776]

The other one is the GT version...the 'affordable' one that goes for around $280


you may also be interested in the 'snow' edition...maybe the most dreadful looking case in history.
Kind od a metro-sexual meets Christmas affair I think.:dead: